When the trout are rising on the Deerfield, bushy brown dry flies are the order of the day. I have had tremendous luck with Adams and Parachute Adams in sizes 12 through 16. In the spring, Mosquito imitations work very well, as do gnats and ants

Deerfield trout on the line

As the summer heat begins, grasshoppers are a good choice. The terrestrial of choice throughout the summer months, in my experience, has been the cricket. There are times when no trout in the river will pass up a juicy cricket tossed carefully under an overhanging bank of grass.

Wet flies work well in the spring when the river is high. Mickey Finns and Wooly Buggers in black, brown, and olive have all produced fish for me regularly. It's hard to find, but a fly called the Llama is an excellent choice as well.

The key to wet fly fishing is getting the fly close to the bottom. Split shot works well for unweighted flies, while beadhead and conehead imitations are exceptionally good at getting you down to where the fish are hiding.

If you aren't sure you are fishing deep enough, then follow the golden rule of wet fly fishing: If you aren't getting snagged on the bottom and losing a fly now and again, then you aren't fishing deep enough.

Watch the Water Levels

I would like to add a word of caution. The flow of the Deerfield River is regulated by the power plant at Fife Brook Dam. The plant maintains a minimum flow level, which keeps the waters of the Deerfield cool and productive long after other rivers have become too warm for trout.

However, the schedule of water releases is subject to the whim of the plant personnel and can happen at any time of the day or night. Within a few minutes, the water level can rise as much as two feet, so keep that in mind while you are wading and pay attention to water levels at all times.

I make a habit of counting the rocks visible above the water as I approach a pool and I check them frequently as I fish. The Deerfield is not a difficult river to wade, although I do recommend wearing felt soles and possibly cleats. If you remain aware of the water level, you should be fine.

The Deerfield River has provided me with many days of blissful fishing that rivals any fishing I could do in the true"West." There are plenty of fish both large and small in the Deerfield and the setting couldn't be more beautiful. Crowds can be an issue, but are not difficult to avoid if you explore enough of the river.

You won't be disappointed.